By Suleman Chitera

Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito, has defended the actions of police officers who dispersed Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters with tear gas after they attempted to hold a wreath-laying procession at the Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe without clearance from authorities.

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The incident, which has sparked heated political debate across the country, unfolded when MCP followers gathered in the capital intending to lay wreaths in honor of Malawi’s founding president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, during Kamuzu Day commemorations.

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According to Mukhito, the enforcement action by police was not politically motivated but was instead based on the need to uphold laws governing public gatherings, assemblies, and processions.

In a strongly worded statement, the minister said no political party should place itself above the law or disregard established procedures meant to maintain public order and safety.

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Mukhito emphasized that clearance procedures involving the Malawi Police Service and local authorities are designed to ensure proper coordination, traffic management, protection of citizens, and prevention of violence or destruction of property during public events.

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“The law applies equally to everyone regardless of political affiliation,” Mukhito stated, warning against what he described as a growing culture of selective obedience to laws depending on political convenience.

The minister further urged political leaders and supporters across the country to demonstrate responsible leadership by cooperating with security institutions rather than confronting them.

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“Democracy thrives not through confrontation with law enforcement agencies, but through mutual respect for constitutional order, dialogue, and adherence to the rule of law,” he said.

The developments have intensified political tensions surrounding this year’s Kamuzu Day commemorations, with questions emerging over whether the confrontation could have been avoided through better coordination between MCP organizers and authorities.

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Critics of the police response argue that the use of tear gas against ruling party supporters sends a troubling signal about shrinking democratic space and intolerance toward political activities. However, government officials maintain that the issue was not about political affiliation but compliance with procedures required under the law.

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The controversy has also exposed growing divisions within Malawi’s political landscape over the legacy and commemoration of Dr. Kamuzu Banda, whose national remembrance events continue to attract political attention from multiple parties and interest groups.

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Mukhito concluded by calling on Malawians to reject political impunity and support the consistent application of laws to all citizens, warning that disorderly conduct and unauthorized processions risk undermining peace, stability, and democratic governance in the country.